JP2020140194A - Image formation apparatus and image formation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To transmit the driving force from a second cartridge to a first cartridge in an image formation unit which is configured such that the second cartridge can be separated from the first cartridge.SOLUTION: An image formation unit which is attached to an apparatus body of an image formation apparatus comprises: a first cartridge which has a drive object part rotatable around a first rotational axis; and a second cartridge which is configured to be separable from the first cartridge, and has an input part configured to receive the driving force from the apparatus body, and a drive transmission part configured to be rotatable around a second rotational axis and transmit the driving force to the drive object part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium and an image forming unit used in the image forming apparatus.

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, members for performing an electrophotographic process are arranged in a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus, so that users and maintenance personnel can easily perform replacement work to improve usability. There is something I planned. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a process cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller is mounted on a tray that can be pulled out from the device body, and the process cartridge is mounted on the device body by inserting the tray into the device body. There is. On the other hand, some photoconductor units are provided with a waste toner transporting means for transporting waste toner remaining without being transferred to the photoconductor. Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which the developing unit moves the waste toner transport member of the cleaning unit by using the driving force received from the apparatus main body.

JP-A-2009-157389 JP-A-2002-196585

In the configuration described in the above document, a cleaning unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing unit having a developing roller are arranged in one cartridge.

An object of the present invention is to transmit a driving force from the second cartridge to the first cartridge in an image forming unit in which the first cartridge and the second cartridge are separably configured.

One aspect of the present invention is an image forming unit mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus, which is separated from a first cartridge having a driven portion that can rotate around the first rotation axis and the first cartridge. A second cartridge that is capable of rotating around an input unit configured to receive a driving force from the apparatus main body and a second rotation axis, and the driving force is applied to the driven unit. The image forming unit is characterized by having a second cartridge having a drive transmission unit configured to transmit the image.

According to the present invention, in an image forming unit in which the first cartridge and the second cartridge are separably configured, a driving force can be transmitted from the second cartridge to the first cartridge.

The schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The schematic diagram of the image formation unit which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The perspective view of the apparatus main body which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The perspective view of the apparatus main body and the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The perspective view of the photoconductor cartridge and the guide member of the apparatus main body which concerns on Example 1. FIG. FIGS. (a to c) for explaining the insertion operation of the photoconductor cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 (a, b) are perspective views of a developing cartridge and a tray according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the operation which supports the development cartridge which concerns on Example 1 on a tray. The figure which shows the state of the operation which supports the development cartridge which concerns on Example 1 on a tray. The figure which shows the state of the operation which supports the development cartridge which concerns on Example 1 on a tray. The figure which shows the state of the operation which supports the development cartridge which concerns on Example 1 on a tray. The figure for demonstrating the engagement between the development cartridge and the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure for demonstrating the engagement between the development cartridge and the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure for demonstrating the engagement between the development cartridge and the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure for demonstrating the support structure of the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure for demonstrating the support structure of the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. A cross-sectional view (a) and a side view (b) of the photoconductor cartridge according to the first embodiment. Exploded view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. Exploded view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. Exploded view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. Exploded view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the positional relationship between the process unit which concerns on Example 1 and the member of the apparatus main body. FIGS. (a to d) for explaining the drive connection between the process unit and the apparatus main body which concerns on Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 (a, b) are side views showing a state of mounting operation of the photoconductor cartridge according to the first embodiment. Top views (a, b) showing a state of mounting operation of the photoconductor cartridge according to the first embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the transfer of waste toner between cartridges which concerns on Example 1. FIG. A cross-sectional view (a) and a side view (b) of the process unit according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view (a) and a side view (b) of the process unit according to the first embodiment. The perspective view which shows the apparatus main body and the tray of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view (a, b) of the photoconductor cartridge and the upper tray according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the operation which supports the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 2 on the upper tray. The figure which shows the state of the operation which supports the photoconductor cartridge which concerns on Example 2 on the upper tray. The side view of the photoconductor cartridge and the developing cartridge which concerns on Example 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a photoconductor cartridge and a developing cartridge according to Example 3. It is a figure (a, b) explaining the engagement of the 1st idler gear and the driven gear which concerns on Example 3. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a waste toner flow path according to a third embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Examples of the image forming apparatus in the following description include a copier, a printer, a multifunction device, a commercial printing apparatus, and the like. An image is formed on a recording medium based on image information input from an external computer or image information read from a manuscript. As the recording medium, sheets of various materials and shapes such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic films, coated papers, specially shaped sheets such as envelopes and index papers, and cloths are used.

The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional configuration of an image forming apparatus IF according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a photoconductor cartridge B and a developing cartridge C. As shown in FIG. 1, the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are mounted on the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus IF, and constitute a process unit PU for forming an image on a sheet P which is a recording medium. The apparatus main body A is a portion obtained by removing the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C from the image forming apparatus IF, and includes a metal frame constituting the frame of the image forming apparatus IF and an exterior cover covering the surface of the housing.

The process unit PU is an image forming unit of the present embodiment that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, the photoconductor cartridge B is the first cartridge of this embodiment, and the developing cartridge C is the second cartridge of this embodiment.

<Outline of image forming device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus IF of this embodiment forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 using a laser beam, and transfers the image developed using a developer to the sheet P. It is an electrophotographic laser beam printer. In addition to the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C, the apparatus main body A is provided with a laser scanner 3 as an exposure means, a fixing device 9 as a fixing means, and a sheet tray 4 as a sheet loading unit. Further, the apparatus main body A includes a pickup roller 5a, a feeding roller pair 5b, a transport roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a transport guide 8, and a fixing along the direction in which the sheet P is conveyed from the sheet tray 4. It has a device 9, a discharge roller pair 10, and a discharge tray 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the photoconductor cartridge B includes a photosensitizing drum 62, a charging roller 66 as a charging means, and a cleaning member 77 as a cleaning means. The photosensitive drum 62, which is the image carrier of this embodiment, is a drum-shaped photosensitive member. The developing cartridge C has a developing roller 32 as a developing agent carrier, a toner chamber 29 as a developing agent accommodating portion, and a toner supply chamber 28. The charging roller 66 that performs the charging process, the developing roller 32 that performs the developing process, the transfer roller 7 that performs the transfer process, and the cleaning member 77 that performs the cleaning process are all examples of process means that act on the photoconductor in the electrophotographic process. ..

When the image forming apparatus IF receives a command (print start signal) to start image forming on the sheet P, the photosensitive drum 62 is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of arrow R. The charging roller 66 to which the bias voltage is applied comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 and charges the drum surface uniformly and uniformly. The laser scanner 3 irradiates the photosensitive drum 62 with the laser beam L modulated based on the image information (see FIG. 1) through the laser aperture 71b provided in the photoconductor cartridge B, and electrostatically lurks on the drum surface. Write the image.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developer contained in the toner chamber 29 in the developing cartridge C is sequentially sent to the toner supply chamber 28. In the toner supply chamber 28, the toner T is supported on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 34 arranged inside the developing roller 32. The toner T that has reached the developing region where the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 62 face each other is transferred from the developing roller 32 to the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 62. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the drum surface is visualized as a toner image.

In parallel with such a process, the sheet P is fed at a timing synchronized with the exposure operation by the laser scanner 3. The pickup roller 5a shown in FIG. 1 comes into contact with the uppermost sheet P of the sheet bundle loaded on the seat tray 4, and sends out the sheet P from the seat tray 4. The feeding roller pair 5b receives the sheet P from the pickup roller 5a and transports the sheet P to the transport roller pair 5c while separating the sheets P one by one. The transfer roller pair 5c transfers the sheet P to the transfer portion between the photosensitive drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. When a bias voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7, the toner image supported on the photosensitive drum 62 is transferred to the sheet P at the transfer unit.

The sheet P to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 62 and conveyed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying guide 8. The fixing device 9 has a pair of rotating bodies composed of a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b, and a heat source (for example, a halogen lamp) for heating the sheet P via the heating roller 9a, and sandwiches and conveys the sheet P. While applying heat and pressure to the toner image on the sheet. As a result, the toner particles are melted and then fixed, so that the image is fixed on the sheet P. The sheet P that has undergone the image fixing process is discharged to the discharge tray 11 provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body A by the discharge roller pair 10.

The cleaning member 77 removes foreign matter such as residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 62 without being transferred to the sheet P at the transfer unit. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is cleaned and is ready for use in the image forming process again.

<Cartridge configuration of process unit>
Next, the configuration of the process unit PU will be described. In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 62 (axial direction) and the axial direction of the developing roller 32 parallel thereto are defined as the reference axial direction (or longitudinal direction) of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C. To do. In the reference axis direction, the side provided with the coupling for the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C to receive the driving force from the apparatus main body A is the driving side of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C, and the opposite side is the driving side. The non-driving side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing of the photoconductor cartridge B is composed of a cleaning frame body 71 and a lid member 72 fixed to the cleaning frame body 71 by a method such as welding. The cleaning frame 71 supports the photosensitive drum 62 arranged in its opening, and also supports the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62. The cleaning frame 71 is provided with the above-mentioned laser opening 71b (see also FIG. 18). Further, the lid member 72 is a member that covers the lower side of the cleaning frame 71, and together with the cleaning frame 71, forms a space 81 for accommodating the waste removed from the photosensitive drum 62 by the cleaning member 77. The main component of the waste collected by the cleaning member 77 is waste toner that has not been transferred to the sheet at the transfer unit, and paper dust and the like adhering to the photosensitive drum 62 from the sheet P are also collected.

Both ends of the photosensitive drum 62 in the reference axis direction are rotatably supported by a cleaning frame 71, and a driving force is supplied from a drive motor (not shown) which is a drive source provided in the apparatus main body A, and arrows in the drawing. It is configured to be rotationally driven in the R direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, on the drive side in the reference axial direction, the hole portion 73a of the drum bearing 73 in which the boss portion 63 provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 62 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71. Rotatably fitted to. On the other hand, on the non-driving side, as shown in FIG. 19, a drum shaft 78 press-fitted into the hole 71c provided in the cleaning frame 71 is provided at the non-driving end 64 of the photosensitive drum 62. It fits into the hole and rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 62.

The cleaning member 77 has a cleaning blade 77a, which is a blade-shaped member made of an elastic material such as rubber, and a support member 77b that supports the blade. The cleaning blade 77a is in contact with the photosensitive drum 62 in the counter direction with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the cleaning blade 77a is directed toward the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 62 so that the tip thereof approaches the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 62 with respect to the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 62 passing through the contact point with the drum surface. It is tilted. Further, at the edge of the opening of the cleaning frame 71 in which the photosensitive drum 62 is arranged, a drum contact sheet 65 for preventing waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame 71 hits the photosensitive drum 62. It is arranged so that it touches.

The charging roller 66 is rotatably supported by a cleaning frame 71 via a charging roller bearing 67 at both ends in the reference axial direction. Further, the charging roller 66 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 62 by pressing the charging roller bearing 67 toward the photosensitive drum 62 by the urging member 68. The charging roller 66 rotates following the photosensitive drum 62. The portion (71, 72, 77) excluding the photosensitive drum 62 and the charging roller 66 from the photoconductor cartridge B constitutes a cleaning unit 60 whose main function is cleaning the photosensitive drum 62.

The developing cartridge C has a developing roller 32, a magnet roller 34, a developing container 23, a developing blade 42, and a roller contact sheet 33. The magnet roller 34 is arranged inside the magnet roller 34 and fixed to the developing container 23. The developing blade 42 and the roller contact sheet 33 are arranged in the opening of the developing container 23 in which the developing roller 32 is arranged. The developing blade 42 regulates the layer thickness of the toner T supported on the developing roller 32 and heads toward the developing region, and also triboelectricly charges the toner T. The roller contact sheet 33 prevents the toner T in the toner supply chamber 28 from leaking to the outside of the developing cartridge C.

The toner chamber 29 and the toner supply chamber 28 described above are formed inside the developing container 23. A first transport member 43, a second transport member 44, and a third transport member 50 are arranged in the toner chamber 29, and each transport member 43, 44, 50 functions as a stirring member that agitates the toner T by rotating. Then, the toner T is conveyed toward the toner supply chamber 28 while stirring. The developing container 23 constitutes the housing 20 of the developing cartridge C together with the driving side side member 26 (see FIG. 18) fixed to the driving side in the reference axis direction.

Both ends of the developing roller 32 in the reference axial direction are rotatably supported by bearing members 27 and 37 (see FIG. 18) fixed to the developing container 23. Further, interval holding members 38 (see FIG. 18) having an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developing roller 32 are attached to both ends of the developing roller 32. When the interval holding member 38 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62, a predetermined minute gap is maintained between the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 62 in the developing region.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developing container 23 is provided with an opening 29a (a portion shown by a broken line) that communicates the toner chamber 29 and the toner supply chamber 28. Until the developing cartridge C mounted on the apparatus main body A is used for the first time, the opening 29a is sealed by the sealing member 45, and the toner T is sealed in the toner chamber 29. The seal member 45 is a sheet-like member made of a material such as polyethylene, one end of which is welded to the developing container 23 around the opening 29a, and the other end of which is fixed to the first transport member 43. Then, when the first transport member 43 rotates when the developing cartridge C is used for the first time, the seal member 45 is wound around the first transport member 43 while the welded portion with the developing container 23 is peeled off. As a result, the opening 29a is opened, so that the toner T flows into the toner supply chamber 28 and the developing roller 32 can support the toner T.

<Detachment of cartridge>
Next, a configuration for attaching / detaching the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C to / from the apparatus main body A will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus main body A in which the opening / closing door 13 is opened in order to attach / detach the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C. The opening / closing door 13 is rotatably provided on one side surface of the device main body A, and the cartridge insertion port 17 is opened by opening the opening / closing door 13. The photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C of this embodiment are attached to the apparatus main body A by being inserted in the direction of the arrow “D” through the cartridge insertion port 17 which is a common opening, and are mounted in the opposite direction. By being pulled out, it is removed from the device main body A. Hereinafter, the direction of the arrow “D” in FIG. 2 is referred to as the cartridge insertion direction D. In this embodiment, the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C will be described as being attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A in substantially the same direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the reference axis direction X. However, the attachment / detachment direction can be changed as appropriate.

The apparatus main body A has a drive side plate 15 facing the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C in the mounted state from the drive side in the reference axial direction X, and a non-drive side plate 16 facing from the non-drive side. A guide member, which will be described later, is attached to the drive side plate 15 and the non-drive side plate 16 to assist the attachment / detachment of the photoconductor cartridge B. Further, a tray 18 for assisting the attachment / detachment of the developing cartridge C is arranged so as to be able to be pulled out from the apparatus main body A via the cartridge insertion port 17.

First, the attachment / detachment configuration of the photoconductor cartridge B will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing cartridge C is provided with a portion 23p that overlaps the photoconductor cartridge B when viewed in the cartridge insertion direction D. This portion 23p has a shape in which the upper surface of the developing container 23 protrudes upward on the upstream side of the photoconductor cartridge B in the insertion direction D, and the position in the vertical direction overlaps with the photoconductor cartridge B where the plane positions are different. There is. As a result, the photoconductor cartridge B is not attached / detached when the developing cartridge C is attached to the apparatus main body A, and can be attached to the apparatus main body A when the developing cartridge C is not attached as shown in FIG. Become. Further, the portion 23p can increase the volume of the developing container 23 by utilizing the space overlapping the photoconductor cartridge B when viewed in the insertion direction D, and the amount of toner sealed in the toner chamber 29 in a new state and / Alternatively, the capacity of the waste toner chamber 30, which will be described later, can be set to a large value.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a guide configuration for guiding the insertion of the photoconductor cartridge B into the apparatus main body A. The apparatus main body A is provided with guide members 19a and 19b, which are the guiding means of the present embodiment (see also FIG. 3). The photoconductor cartridge B is provided with first guided portions 73e and 71h and second guided portions 71a and 71g guided by guide members 19a and 19b. The first guided portions 73e and 71h are provided on both sides of the cartridge in the reference axial direction X, and the second guided portions 71a and 71g are also provided on both sides of the cartridge in the reference axial direction X. Further, with respect to the insertion direction D, the first guided portions 73e and 71h are located downstream of the second guided portions 71a and 71g. Each of these guided portions in this embodiment is a shaft member (boss shape) protruding from the side surface of the cartridge in the reference axial direction X.

6 (a) to 6 (c) show the actions of the guide members 19a and 19b when the photoconductor cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A. Although the guide member 19a on the drive side and the guided portions 73e and 71a corresponding thereto are not shown, the same operation as the operation on the non-drive side described below is performed. First, the operator (user or maintenance person) inserts the photoconductor cartridge B in the insertion direction D so that the first guided portions 73e and 71h are in contact with the upper surfaces of the guide members 19a and 19b (FIG. 6A). .. Further, when the photoconductor cartridge B is inserted along the guide member 19b, both the first guided portion 71h and the second guided portion 71g come into contact with the guide member 19b and are guided in the insertion direction D (FIG. 6 (FIG. 6). b)).

Further, the photoconductor cartridge B is inserted, and the first guided portion 71h is separated from the guide member 19b. At substantially the same time, the first guided portion 73e on the drive side is separated from the guide member 19a. When the first guided portions 73e and 71h are separated from the guide members 19a and 19b, the photoconductor cartridge B is driven by its own weight around the second guided portions 71a and 71g supported by the guide members 19a and 19b. It swings downward.

As will be described later, the apparatus main body A includes a drive shaft support member 1 that supports the drive-side end of the photoconductor cartridge B, and a non-drive-side support that supports the driven end of the photoconductor cartridge B. A member 12 is provided. Then, regarding the position of the photoconductor cartridge B in the insertion direction D, the drive shaft support member 1 and the non-drive side support member 12 are the photoconductors in the range in which the guide members 19a and 19b can support the first guided portions 73e and 71h. Partially overlaps the range in which the cartridge B can be supported. The range in which the drive shaft support member 1 and the non-drive side support member 12 can support the photoconductor cartridge B is specifically defined in FIGS. 15 and 16 as the second support portion 1b of each support member (1, 12). 12b refers to a range in which the supported portion (73d, 71f) of the photoconductor cartridge B can be supported. The drive shaft support member 1 and the non-drive side support member 12 will be described in detail later.

Therefore, when the first guided portions 73e and 71h are separated from the guide members 19a and 19b, the photoconductor cartridge B is supported by the drive shaft support member 1 and the non-drive side support member 12 on the downstream side in the insertion direction D. It becomes. At this time, the second guided portions 71a and 71g are supported by the guide members 19a and 19b on the upstream side in the insertion direction D. Then, when the photoconductor cartridge B is further inserted to reach a predetermined mounting position with respect to the device main body A, the photoconductor cartridge B is positioned with respect to the device main body A and is connected to the drive source of the device main body A. (Fig. 6 (c)). The positioning configuration and drive transmission configuration of the photoconductor cartridge B will be described later.

Next, the attachment / detachment configuration of the developing cartridge C will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the development cartridge C is attached and detached while being supported by the tray 18. The tray 18, which is a drawer member of this embodiment, is supported so as to be insertable and retractable by a rail provided on the apparatus main body A. The tray 18 has support surfaces 18a and 18e for supporting the supported surfaces 20a provided on the developing cartridge C, and position regulating portions 18b and 18f for restricting the position of the developing cartridge C with respect to the tray 18. The position regulating portions 18b and 18f in this embodiment have a substantially rectangular concave shape recessed downward in the vertical direction from the support surfaces 18a and 18e. At the end of the bottom surface of the developing cartridge C on the drive side, as shown in FIG. 7B, the regulated portion 20b fitted to the position regulating portion 18b is positioned so as to project downward with respect to the supported surface 20a. It is provided. Further, at the end of the developing cartridge on the driven side, as shown in FIG. 7A, a regulated portion 20f fitted to the position regulating portion 18f is formed in a plate shape continuous with the supported surface 20a. Moreover, it is provided so as to project from the supported surface 20a in the reference axial direction X.

As shown in FIG. 8, the support surface 18a of the tray 18 is horizontal so as to extend downstream of the tray 18 insertion direction D1 (same as the insertion direction D of the developing cartridge C in this embodiment) so as to extend vertically downward. It is tilted against it. The position regulation unit 18b has a first regulation surface 18c that regulates the relative movement of the regulated portion 20b with respect to the tray 18 in the pull-out direction D2 (the direction opposite to the insertion direction D1), and a tray of the regulated portion 20b in the insertion direction D1. It has a second regulatory surface 18d that regulates relative movement to 18. Further, the first regulation surface 18c extending in the substantially vertical direction and the support surface 18a are connected by a slope 18g which is a chamfered portion.

Although the configuration on the drive side has been described here, the support surface 18e on the non-drive side and the position regulating unit 18f also have the same configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the position regulating portion 18f has a first regulating surface 18h that regulates the relative movement of the regulated portion 20f of the developing cartridge C with respect to the tray 18 in the drawing direction D2. Further, the position regulation unit 18f has a second regulation surface 18i that regulates the relative movement of the regulated unit 20b with respect to the tray 18 in the insertion direction D1. Further, the first regulation surface 18h extending in the substantially vertical direction and the support surface 18e are connected by a slope 18j which is a chamfered portion.

When the operator moves the tray 18 in the insertion direction D1, the developing cartridge C may receive a force in the pulling direction D2 from a member provided in the apparatus main body A. Even in such a case, the first regulating surfaces 18c and 18h of the tray 18 press the regulated portions 20b and 20f of the developing cartridge C, so that the developing cartridge C moves integrally with the tray 18 in the insertion direction D1. To do. Further, when the operator moves the tray 18 in the pull-out direction D2, the developing cartridge C may receive a force in the insertion direction D1 from a member provided in the apparatus main body A. Even in such a case, the second regulating surfaces 18d and 18i of the tray 18 press the regulated portions 20b and 20f of the developing cartridge C, so that the developing cartridge C moves integrally with the tray 18 in the pulling direction D2. To do.

In the present embodiment, the configuration example in which the regulated portions 20b and 20f have a convex shape and the position regulating portions 18b and 18f have a concave shape to be fitted to the regulated portions 20b and 20f has been described. The relative movement of the developing cartridge C with respect to 18 may be restricted. For example, one or more convex portions protruding upward from the bottom surface of the tray 18 may be provided, and the developing cartridge C may be provided with a concave portion that fits into the convex portions. Also in this case, by fitting the convex portion and the concave portion, the relative movement of the developing cartridge C with respect to the tray 18 in the insertion direction D1 and the withdrawal direction D2 is restricted, and the development is performed with the insertion or withdrawal of the tray 18. The cartridge C can be moved. Further, in the plane coordinates of the tray 18, a configuration corresponding to the position regulating portions 18f and 18f and the regulated portions 20b and 20f may be provided at an arbitrary position different from the illustrated position. The same effect can be obtained with this as well.

8 to 12 show a state in which the operation of supporting the developing cartridge C on the tray 18 is viewed from the drive side in the reference axial direction X. Although the operation on the drive side will be described in the following description, the same operation is performed on the non-drive side as well.

As shown in FIG. 8, the developing cartridge C is set from above with respect to the tray 18 in a state of being pulled out from the apparatus main body A to a predetermined position where the developing cartridge C can be attached and detached. The operator lowers the cartridge from the upper side to the lower side of the tray 18 while gripping the grip portion of the developing cartridge C (arrow E). Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the bottom surface 20e of the regulated portion 20b comes into contact with the support surface 18a of the tray 18. Since the support surface 18a is inclined, by sliding the developing cartridge C in the direction of the arrow G, the operator can easily move the developing cartridge C to a position where the regulated portion 20b fits into the position regulating portion 18b. Can be done.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the regulated portion 20b approaches the position regulating portion 18b, the bottom surface 20e of the regulated portion 20b separates from the support surface 18a and comes into contact with the slope 18g. Since the inclination of the slope 18g is larger than that of the support surface 18a, the regulated portion 20b slides down along the slope 18g in the arrow H direction due to the weight of the developing cartridge C, and further separates from the slope 18g and falls in the arrow E direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the regulated portion 20b of the developing cartridge C is fitted to the position regulating portion 18b, and the supported surface 20a is supported by the supporting surface 18a, and is set on the tray 18. Is completed. In the state of FIG. 11, the weight of the developing cartridge C is supported by the apparatus main body A via the tray 18, and the horizontal movement of the developing cartridge C with respect to the tray 18 is restricted.

After that, the developing cartridge C is mounted on the apparatus main body A by being inserted in the insertion direction D1 while being placed on the tray 18. As described above, the photoconductor cartridge B is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A in a state where the developing cartridge C is not attached. Therefore, the mounting operation of the developing cartridge C is usually performed in a state where the photoconductor cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A.

<Cartridge support configuration>
Next, the support configuration of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C in the state of being mounted on the apparatus main body A will be described. When mounted on the device body A, the photoconductor cartridge B is supported by the drive side plate 15 and the non-drive side plate 16 (FIG. 3) of the device body A.

As shown in FIG. 15, the drive side plate 15 is provided with the drive shaft support member 1 and the guide member 19a described above. The drive shaft support member 1 is a member in which a first support portion 1a, a second support portion 1b, a guide groove 1c, and a notch portion 1d are integrally formed, and rotatably supports the first drive shaft 14 described later. are doing. The drum bearing 73 of the photoconductor cartridge B is provided with a first supported portion 73b supported by the first supporting portion 1a and a second supported portion 73d supported by the second supporting portion 1b. On the drive side in the reference axial direction X, the photoconductor cartridge B in the mounted state has the first supported portion 73b, the second supported portion 73d, and the second guided portion 71a as the first supported portion 1a and the second supported portion, respectively. It is supported by the apparatus main body A in a state of being in contact with 1b and the guide member 19a. The guide groove 1c and the notch 1d of the drive shaft support member 1 will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the non-driving side plate 16 is provided with a non-driving side support member 12 and a guide member 19b. The non-driving side support member 12 includes a first support portion 12a and a second support portion 12b. The cleaning frame 71 of the photoconductor cartridge B is provided with protrusions 71f supported by the first support portion 12a and the second support portion 12b. On the non-driving side in the reference axial direction X, the protrusion 71f of the mounted photoconductor cartridge B abuts on the first support portion 12a and the second support portion 12b, and the second guided portion 71g abuts on the guide member 19a. In this state, it is supported by the device main body A.

Next, the support configuration of the developing cartridge C will be described. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, first support holes 23a and second support holes 23b are provided at both ends of the developing cartridge C in the reference axial direction X. The first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b, which are the engaged portions of this embodiment, have a groove shape extending in the insertion direction D of the cartridge, and are provided in the developing container 23.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, first suspension holes 71i and 71i and second suspension holes 71j and 71j are provided at both ends of the photoconductor cartridge B in the reference axial direction X, and the first suspension holes 71i are provided. The coupling pins 69 and 69 are press-fitted and fixed to the second hanging holes 71j, respectively. However, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the portion indicated by the circle in FIG. 18 as viewed from below, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the portion indicated by the circle in FIG. 20 as viewed from below. Each coupling pin 69 is a shaft-shaped member extending in the reference axial direction X. The coupling pins 69 and 69 are all engaging portions of the present embodiment that engage with the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b.

12 to 14 show how the developing cartridge C and the photoconductor cartridge B are engaged in the process of inserting the developing cartridge C into the apparatus main body A. Hereinafter, the operation seen from the driving side in the reference axial direction X will be described, but the same operation is realized on the non-driving side by the second support hole 23b and the coupling pin 69.

As described above, the developing cartridge C is inserted into the apparatus main body A together with the tray 18 in the insertion direction D while being placed on the tray 18. As shown in FIG. 12, a slope 23c is provided in the opening of the first support hole 23a, and when the developing cartridge C is inserted, the slope 23c is first with respect to the coupling pin 69 of the photoconductor cartridge B. To abut.

The slope 23c is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to go upward in the vertical direction toward the downstream of the insertion direction D. Therefore, when the developing cartridge C is further inserted after the slope 23c comes into contact with the coupling pin 69, the developing cartridge C is lifted upward so that the slope 23c rides on the coupling pin 69. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the first support hole 23a is engaged with the coupling pin 69 (the region closer to the bottom of the groove shape than the slope 23c is in contact with the coupling pin 69). In parallel with this, on the opposite side in the reference axial direction X, the second support hole 23b abuts on the coupling pin 69 on the slope 23c and then engages with the coupling pin 69.

When the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are engaged with the coupling pin 69, at least a part of the weight of the developing cartridge C is supported by the photoconductor cartridge B via the coupling pin 69. Further, the developing cartridge C can swing in the direction in which the developing roller 32 approaches and separates from the photosensitive drum 62 with the coupling pin 69 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIG. 14, the urging member 100 provided on the tray 18 presses the bottom surface (bottom portion) of the developing container 23 of the developing cartridge C upward, so that the developing roller 32 is oriented in the I direction about the coupling pin 69. Receive urgency. As a result, the above-mentioned interval holding member 38 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 62, and the developing roller 32 is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 62. The urging member 100, which is the urging means of this embodiment, is, for example, a spring member installed at the bottom of the tray 18.

Here, when the developing cartridge C moves so that the slopes 23c of the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b ride on the coupling pin 69, the coupling pin 69 pushes back the slope 23c and is inserted into the developing cartridge C. A force acts in the direction opposite to the direction D. However, as described above, since the first regulation surfaces 18c and 18h of the position regulation portions 18b and 18f provided on the tray 18 press the regulated portions 20b and 20f of the development cartridge C in the insertion direction D, the development cartridge C Can move in the insertion direction D together with the tray 18. The fitting lengths of the first regulated surfaces 18c and 18h and the regulated portions 20b and 20f in the vertical direction are the same as that of the first regulated surfaces 18c and 18h and the regulated portions 20b and 20f even when the slope 23c rides on the coupling pin 69. The contact is set to be maintained.

Further, when the tray 18 is pulled out, a force in the insertion direction D opposite to the pulling direction acts on the developing cartridge C when the coupling pin 69 is separated from the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b. However, as described above, since the second regulation surfaces 18d and 18i of the position regulation portions 18b and 18f provided on the tray 18 press the regulated portions 20b and 20f of the development cartridge C in the pull-out direction, the development cartridge C is It can be moved in the drawer direction together with the tray 18. The fitting length of the second regulation surface 18d, 18i and the regulated portions 20b, 20f in the vertical direction is the second regulation surface 18d, 18i through the process of the coupling pin 69 coming out of the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b. It is set so that the contact between the and the regulated portions 20b and 20f is maintained.

As described above, in this embodiment, the photoconductor cartridge B is attached and detached by the guide members 19a and 19b, and the developing cartridge C is attached and detached while being supported by the tray 18. Then, by inserting the tray 18 supporting the developing cartridge C in the direction intersecting the reference axis direction X (insertion direction D), the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C mounted on the apparatus main body A are brought into contact with each other. Engage. Therefore, in a configuration in which the image forming unit is composed of a plurality of cartridges, it is possible to facilitate the cartridge replacement work and provide an image forming unit and an image forming apparatus having high usability.

In this embodiment, the urging member 100 is provided on the tray 18, but the urging member is provided at another place if it is arranged so as to exert a force in the direction in which the developing roller is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum. You may. Further, it is preferable that the groove shapes of the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to extend upstream in the insertion direction D and upward in the vertical direction as in the present embodiment. Is. As a result, it is possible to prevent each support hole engaged with the coupling pin 69 from being separated from the coupling pin 69. Further, the posture of the developing cartridge C in a state where the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are engaged with the coupling pin 69, and the gravity acting on the developing cartridge C causes the first support hole 23a to attach the coupling pin 69. It is possible to prevent withdrawal even more by making the force.

Further, it is preferable that the urging member 100 has a shape in which the end portion on the upstream side in the insertion direction D of the tray 18 is rounded. As a result, the developing cartridge C can be easily mounted on the urging member 100 as the tray 18 is inserted into the apparatus main body A.

Further, in this embodiment, the development cartridge C is described as riding on the urging member 100 with the insertion operation of the tray 18, but as another embodiment, it is attached by performing a predetermined operation after the insertion operation of the tray 18. The urging member may urge the developing cartridge C. For example, an opening through which the urging member 100 can pass is formed on the bottom surface of the tray 18, and the urging member 100 is moved in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening / closing door 13 (FIG. 3). Then, after inserting the tray 18, the opening / closing door 13 is closed so that the urging member 100 moves to a position where it comes into contact with the developing cartridge C through the opening of the tray 18. Further, by opening the opening / closing door 13, the urging member 100 may be retracted to a position where the tray 18 and the developing cartridge C are not pulled out through the opening of the tray 18.

<Drive input to cartridge>
Next, a configuration in which a drive is input from the apparatus main body A to the photoconductor cartridge B will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, a drum coupling 70 and a developing coupling 21 for receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body A are provided on the side surfaces of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C on the driving side in the reference axial direction X. ing. The drum coupling 70 constitutes a first connecting portion to be connected to the first drive shaft 14 of the device main body A which is the first shaft member, and the developing coupling 21 is a second of the device main body A which is the second shaft member. It constitutes a second connecting portion connected to the two drive shafts 99. The drum coupling 70 of the present embodiment is arranged coaxially with the photosensitive drum 62 (see FIG. 21), and is rotatably supported by the drum bearing 73 as a drum unit in which the drum coupling 70 and the photosensitive drum 62 rotate integrally. ing.

Both the drum coupling 70 and the developing coupling 21 have a configuration that can be tilted with respect to the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C (that is, the rotation axis of the coupling member can be tilted with respect to the reference axial direction X). ing. As will be described below, the drum coupling 70 and the developing coupling 21 have the first drive shaft 14 and the second drive shaft 99 as the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are inserted and removed from the apparatus main body A. It is configured to engage and disengage.

As shown in FIG. 23A, when the photoconductor cartridge B is not attached to the apparatus main body A, the tip of the drum coupling 70 is downstream of the insertion direction D by the torsion coil spring 24 which is the first urging member. It is urged to face the side. As shown in FIG. 23B, when the photoconductor cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body A, the drum coupling 70 engages with the first drive shaft 14 before the photoconductor cartridge B reaches the mounting position. .. That is, the key 14a provided on the first drive shaft 14 is fitted into the key groove 70a of the drum coupling 70, and the drum coupling 70 is rotated as the first drive shaft 14 is rotated. Then, the drum coupling 70 is pressed against the first drive shaft 14 against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 24, so that when the photoconductor cartridge B reaches the mounting position, the drum coupling 70 generally moves in the reference axial direction. It is in a state of extending to X.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 23C, when the developing cartridge C is not mounted on the apparatus main body A, the tip of the developing coupling 21 is inserted in the insertion direction D by the torsion coil spring 25 which is the second urging member. It is urged to face the downstream side of. As shown in FIG. 23D, when the developing cartridge C is inserted into the apparatus main body A, the developing coupling 21 engages with the second drive shaft 99 before the developing cartridge C reaches the mounting position. That is, the key 99a provided on the second drive shaft 99 fits into the key groove 21a of the development coupling 21, and the development coupling 21 rotates as the second drive shaft 99 rotates. Then, the developing coupling 21 is pressed against the second drive shaft 99 against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 25, so that when the developing cartridge C reaches the mounting position, the developing coupling 21 generally moves in the reference axial direction X. It will be in a state of extending to.

In the state shown in FIG. 23D, the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C can receive the driving force from the apparatus main body A via the drum coupling 70 and the developing coupling 21, respectively. As described above, by arranging the coupling member that can be tilted with respect to the reference axial direction X, the drive transmission between the cartridge and the device body is smoothly connected by the operation of inserting and removing the cartridge into the device body. And it becomes possible to cancel.

<Axial positioning of photosensitive drum>
Next, a configuration for positioning the photoconductor cartridge B with respect to the reference axial direction X will be described. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 22, the first drive shaft 14 of the apparatus main body A is rotatably supported by the drive shaft support member 1 provided on the drive side plate 15. The drive shaft support member 1 is provided with the above-mentioned guide groove 1c as a regulating portion that regulates the position of the cartridge in the reference axial direction X when the photoconductor cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body. The guide groove 1c of this embodiment has a groove shape that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the second support portion 1b of the drive shaft support member 1 and extends in the insertion direction D of the cartridge. The notch 1d described above is provided on the downstream side of the insertion direction D with respect to the guide groove 1c.

Further, the apparatus main body A is provided with a regulation member 2 having a regulation groove 2a. The regulation groove 2a functions as a regulation portion provided in the device body in order to regulate the position of the cartridge in the reference axial direction X in a state where the photoconductor cartridge B is mounted on the device body A. The regulation groove 2a has a groove shape that extends substantially in the vertical direction and is open toward the upstream of the cartridge insertion direction D.

As shown in FIG. 21, the drum bearing 73 of the photoconductor cartridge B is provided with a convex portion 74 that fits into the guide groove 1c and a regulated portion 61 that fits into the regulation groove 2a. The convex portion 74 projects downward from the second supported portion 73d in which the drum bearing 73 is supported by the second supporting portion 1b of the drive shaft support member 1. Further, the regulated portion 61 projects from the end surface of the drum bearing 73 in the insertion direction D (the surface facing the regulation member 2 in the mounted state) toward the downstream in the insertion direction D.

24 and 25 are views for explaining the operation of the above-mentioned positioning configuration when the photoconductor cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, and FIGS. 24 (a) and 25 (b) are taken from the reference axial direction X. The views, FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b), show the views seen from above. As shown in FIGS. 24A and 25A, as the photoconductor cartridge B is inserted in the insertion direction D, the convex portion 74 of the drum bearing 73 enters the guide groove 1c of the drive shaft support member 1. .. As a result, the position of the photoconductor cartridge B in the reference axial direction X is restricted, so that the drum coupling 70 is smoothly connected to the first drive shaft 14 as the photoconductor cartridge B is inserted.

Further, when the photoconductor cartridge B moves in the insertion direction D, the convex portion 74 of the drum bearing 73 reaches the notch portion 1d of the drive shaft support member 1 as shown in FIGS. 24 (b) and 25 (b). To separate from the guide groove 1c. Therefore, the position restriction of the photoconductor cartridge B due to the fitting of the convex portion 74 and the guide groove 1c is released. On the other hand, before the photoconductor cartridge B reaches the mounting position, the regulated portion 61 provided on the drum bearing 73 is fitted into the regulation groove 2a provided on the apparatus main body A. As a result, when the photoconductor cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, the photoconductor cartridge B is positioned in the reference axial direction X by fitting the regulated portion 61 and the regulation groove 2a. Since the reference axis direction X is the main scanning direction of the photosensitive drum 62 in the image forming process, positioning the photosensitive drum 62 with high accuracy in such a positioning configuration contributes to improvement of image quality.

The clearance of the guide groove 1c and the convex portion 74 in the reference axial direction X does not necessarily have to match the clearance of the regulation groove 2a and the regulated portion 61 in the reference axial direction X. For example, the positioning accuracy of the photosensitive drum 62 may be improved when the former value is set smaller than the latter value to perform the image forming operation. Further, in this embodiment, a portion for positioning when the cartridge is mounted (guide groove 1c and convex portion 74) and a portion for positioning while the cartridge is mounted (regulation groove 2a and regulated portion 61) are separately provided. However, these may be arranged together. For example, the guide groove 1c may be extended to the range of the notch portion 1d of the present embodiment so that the convex portion 74 engages with the guide groove 1c even when the cartridge is mounted.

<Removal of cartridge>
When removing the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C from the apparatus main body A, the removal operation may be performed by reversing the process of the mounting operation described above. When removing the developing cartridge C, the operator pulls out the tray 18 to the opposite side of the insertion direction D with the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main body A open. Then, the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are separated from the coupling pins 69 and 69, and the engagement between the development cartridge C and the photoconductor cartridge B is released. Further, the development coupling 21 is separated from the second drive shaft 99 of the apparatus main body A. The removal of the developing cartridge C is completed by lifting the developing cartridge C upward from the tray 18 with the tray 18 pulled out to a predetermined position. After that, the operator may further remove the photoconductor cartridge B, or may set a new developing cartridge C on the tray 18 and replace only the developing cartridge C.

In this embodiment, the service life of the photoconductor cartridge B is longer than the average period until the toner enclosed in the new developing cartridge C is consumed. Therefore, when it is not necessary to replace the photoconductor cartridge B, only the developing cartridge C can be replaced.

When removing the photoconductor cartridge B, the operator pulls out the photoconductor cartridge B in the opposite side of the insertion direction D with the developing cartridge C removed. Then, the photoconductor cartridge B is detached from the drive shaft support member 1 and the non-drive side support member 12 of the apparatus main body A, and the drum coupling 70 is detached from the first drive shaft 14. After that, the cartridge is further pulled out along the guide members 19a and 19b to complete the removal of the photoconductor cartridge B from the apparatus main body A.

<Waste toner transfer>
Next, a configuration for transporting the waste toner collected from the photosensitive drum by the cleaning member will be described. FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line GG of FIG. 17B for explaining the internal configuration of the photoconductor cartridge B. As shown in FIG. 17A, the waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 (see FIG. 2) is the first screw 86 and the second screw arranged inside the photoconductor cartridge B. Transported by 87. The first screw 86 and the second screw 87 are transport means for transporting waste from the photoconductor in this embodiment.

The first screw 86 is arranged in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 62 and the cleaning member 77 so that the rotation axis faces the reference axis direction X (see FIG. 2), and conveys waste toner to the drive side in the reference axis direction X. The second screw 87 is arranged inside the photoconductor cartridge B at the downstream end of the first screw 86 in the transport direction in a direction intersecting with the first screw 86. The first screw 86 receives a driving force from the drum coupling 70 and rotates, and the second screw 87 receives a driving force from the first screw 86 and rotates. As will be described in detail in Example 3, the first screw 86 and / or the second screw 87 may receive a driving force from the developing coupling 21 to rotate.

The lid member 72 is provided with a waste toner discharge port 72a as a first opening through which waste toner can be discharged toward the developing cartridge C. The waste toner discharge port 72a is provided at a position facing the downstream portion of the second screw 87 in the transport direction of the second screw 87. The waste toner removed from the photosensitive drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is first conveyed by the first screw 86 along the reference axial direction X, and then conveyed to the waste toner discharge port 72a by the second screw 87, and is the photoconductor. It is discharged to the outside of the cartridge B.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C, and FIG. 27 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the process unit PU shown in FIG. 27 (a) cut along the cutting line JJ. Is. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 (b), a waste toner receiving port 23d as a second opening for receiving the waste toner is provided at a position facing the waste toner discharge port 72a on the upper surface of the developing container 23. Has been done. Further, the developing container 23 is provided with a waste toner chamber 30 which is an accommodating portion for accommodating waste toner on the upstream side (the end on the side far from the developing roller 32) with respect to the toner chamber 29 in the cartridge insertion direction D. Has been done. The waste toner discharged from the waste toner discharge port 72a flows into the waste toner chamber 30 of the developing cartridge C through the waste toner receiving port 23d.

FIG. 28 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge C cut along the cutting line KK shown in FIG. 28 (b). As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the waste toner chamber 30 is provided with a third screw 88. The third screw 88 is arranged inside the waste toner chamber 30 extending in the reference axial direction X so that the axial direction faces the reference axial direction X (that is, substantially parallel to the first screw 86). Further, the third screw 88 rotates by transmitting a driving force from the developing coupling 21 via a gear train (not shown). With the above configuration, the waste toner flowing from the photoconductor cartridge B through the waste toner receiving port 23d into the waste toner chamber 30 of the developing cartridge C is appropriately conveyed in the reference axial direction X by the third screw 88 to the waste toner chamber. 30 is filled.

Shutters (not shown) are provided at the waste toner discharge port 72a of the photoconductor cartridge B and the waste toner reception port 23d of the developing cartridge C, respectively. When the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are mounted on the apparatus main body A, these shutters are opened, and the waste toner discharge port 72a and the waste toner receiving port 23d communicate with each other. When the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are separated from each other, such as when the developing cartridge C is removed from the apparatus main body A, the respective shutters are closed to prevent waste toner from leaking to the outside.

Specific examples of the configuration of such a shutter mechanism include the following. A shutter member that can slide in the insertion direction D is arranged with respect to the housing of each cartridge, and an urging member that urges each shutter toward a position where the opening is closed is arranged. Then, as the developing cartridge C is inserted, a part of the developing cartridge C slides the shutter of the photoconductor cartridge B in the insertion direction D to open the waste toner discharge port 72a. Further, in parallel with this, a part of the photoconductor cartridge B may slide the shutter of the developing cartridge C in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D to open the waste toner receiving port 23d. For example, the waste toner receiving port 23d of the developing cartridge C facing upward may be opened without providing a shutter.

Next, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the photoconductor cartridge is inserted into the main body of the apparatus while being supported by another drawer member different from the tray 18 described above. Other elements having the same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 29, the image forming apparatus IF of this embodiment is provided with an upper tray 101 that supports the photoconductor cartridge B above the tray 18 (lower tray) that supports the developing cartridge C. The upper tray 101 is another example of the guiding means for guiding the attachment / detachment of the photoconductor cartridge B to the apparatus main body A. The upper tray 101 is supported by a guide rail 102 provided on the device main body A, and is inserted and pulled out from the device main body A along the cartridge insertion direction D.

As shown in FIG. 30A, the photoconductor cartridge B has a supported surface 71L on the driving side and a supported surface 71m on the non-driving side in the reference axial direction X, and the upper tray 101 has a supported surface 71L. , 71m have support surfaces 101a and 101b, respectively. Further, the upper tray 101 is provided with a regulation unit 101c that regulates the movement of the photoconductor cartridge B in the insertion direction D on the wall surface on the downstream side in the cartridge insertion direction D.

31 and 32 show a state in which the operation of supporting the photoconductor cartridge B on the upper tray 101 is viewed from the drive side in the reference axial direction X. Although the operation on the drive side will be described in the following description, the same operation is performed on the non-drive side as well.

As shown in FIG. 31, the photoconductor cartridge B is set from above with respect to the upper tray 101 in a state of being pulled out from the apparatus main body A to a predetermined position where the photoconductor cartridge B can be attached and detached. The operator lowers the cartridge from the upper side to the lower side of the upper tray 101 while gripping the grip portion of the photoconductor cartridge B (arrow E). Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the supported surface 71L of the photoconductor cartridge B comes into contact with the supporting surface 101a of the upper tray 101 and is supported. Further, the regulated portion 71n provided on the downstream end surface of the photoconductor cartridge B in the insertion direction D comes into contact with the regulated portion 101c of the upper tray 101, so that the photoconductor cartridge B is supported by the upper tray 101. It becomes.

Subsequent operations when mounting the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C on the apparatus main body A are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, by inserting the upper tray 101 supporting the photoconductor cartridge B into the apparatus main body A in the insertion direction D, the drum coupling 70 is connected to the first drive shaft 14 of the apparatus main body A (FIG. FIG. 23 (a), (b)). Further, the convex portion 74 of the photoconductor cartridge B is fitted into the guide groove 1c of the drive shaft support member 1, and then the regulated portion 61 is fitted into the regulation groove 2a of the regulation member 2 during mounting and during mounting. Positioning in the reference axial direction X in the state after mounting is performed (FIGS. 24 and 25).

Further, when the developing cartridge C is inserted into the apparatus main body A while the photoconductor cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A, the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b of the developing cartridge C become the photoconductor cartridge B. Fits into the coupling pins 69, 69 (FIG. 32). As a result, the developing cartridge C is supported by the photoconductor cartridge B. An opening is formed on the bottom surface of the upper tray 101 to enable fitting of the coupling pins 69 and 69 with the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b. Then, when the developing cartridge C is inserted to the mounting position, the developing coupling 21 is connected to the second drive shaft 99, and the waste toner discharge port 72a of the photoconductor cartridge B and the waste toner receiving port 23d of the developing cartridge C are connected. Communicate.

In this embodiment, the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are attached and detached while being supported by trays (18, 101), respectively. Then, by inserting the tray 18 supporting the developing cartridge C in the direction intersecting the reference axis direction X (insertion direction D), the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C mounted on the apparatus main body A are brought into contact with each other. Engage. Therefore, even with the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the cartridge replacement work and provide an image forming unit and an image forming apparatus having high usability.

Next, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. The same configurations as those of Examples 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals as those of Examples 1 and 2, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the drive transmission in the photoconductor cartridge B as the first cartridge and the developing cartridge C as the second cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. FIG. 33 is a side view of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C. However, in order to visualize the configuration related to drive transmission, the drive side side member 26 (FIG. 18) of the developing cartridge C and the drum bearing 73 (FIG. 18) of the photoconductor cartridge B are not shown. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C.

As described above, the process unit PU is removable from the apparatus main body A and has the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C. The photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are inserted into the apparatus main body A.

Further, the driving force from the apparatus main body A is transmitted to the drum coupling (corresponding to the first input unit) 70 via the first driving shaft 14 (see FIGS. 22 and 23), and the driving force is transmitted to the second driving shaft 99. It is transmitted to the development coupling (corresponding to the input unit or the second input unit) 21 via. As a result, the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 62 rotate, respectively. In other words, the drum coupling 70 and the developing coupling 21 are configured to be driven by the apparatus main body A.

The development cartridge C has a development coupling gear 310 that rotates integrally with the development coupling 21. The development coupling gear 310 is configured to be coaxial with the development coupling 21 in a state where the development coupling 21 is engaged with the second drive shaft 99.

A developing roller gear 311 is attached to the developing roller 32. A first transport gear 315 is attached to the first transport member 43. A second transport gear 316 is attached to the second transport member 44. A third transport gear 318 is attached to the third transport member 50. A third screw gear 320 is attached to the third screw 88.

Further, the developing cartridge C has a first idler gear (drive transmission unit of this embodiment) 312 that meshes with the developing coupling gear 310, a second idler gear 313 that meshes with the first idler gear 312, and a third idler gear 314 that meshes with the second idler gear 313. Have. The third idler gear 314 meshes with the first transfer gear 315 and the second transfer gear 316. Further, the developing cartridge C has a fourth idler gear 317 that meshes with the second transport gear 316 and the third transport gear 318, and a fifth idler gear 319 that meshes with the third transport gear 318 and the third screw gear 320. The first idler gear 312 is rotatable around a rotation axis (second rotation axis). Further, the rotation axis directions of the gears are parallel.

On the other hand, in the photoconductor cartridge B, the first screw gear 323 is attached to the first screw 86. Further, the photoconductor cartridge B has a driven gear (driven portion) 321 that meshes with the first idler gear 312, a driven gear 321 and an intermediate gear 322 that meshes with the first screw gear 323. The driven gear 321 is rotatable around a rotation axis (first rotation axis).

The drum coupling 70 is driven by the apparatus main body A and rotates together with the photosensitive drum 62 in the direction of arrow R. The photosensitive drum 62 is configured to transmit the drive to the transfer roller 7 (see FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body A.

Further, when the development coupling 21 is driven by the apparatus main body A and rotates, the development coupling gear 310 rotates in the direction of arrow SS in FIG. 34, which is the same rotation direction as the development coupling 21. As the development coupling gear 310 rotates, the first idler gear 312 and the development roller gear 311 installed in the development cartridge C rotate. As the developing roller gear 311 rotates, the developing roller 32 rotates in the same direction as the developing roller gear 311.

It receives the drive from the first idler gear 312 and transmits the drive to the second idler gear 313 and the third idler gear 314. The rotation of the third idler gear 314 causes the first transfer gear 315 and the second transfer gear 316 to rotate. Drive is transmitted from the second transfer gear 316 to the fourth idler gear 317, the third transfer gear 318, the fifth idler gear 319, and the third screw gear 320. In this way, the drive is transmitted from the apparatus main body A to the developing roller gear 311, the first transport member 43, the second transport member 44, the third transport member 50, and the third screw 88.

Here, as described above, the developing cartridge C is configured to be separable from the photoconductor cartridge B. Further, the developing cartridge C can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A with the photoconductor cartridge B attached to the apparatus main body A. More specifically, the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b of the developing cartridge C engage with the coupling pin 69 installed in the cleaning frame 71. As a result, the developing cartridge C is coupled to the photoconductor cartridge B.

With the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C mounted on the apparatus main body A, the first idler gear 312 directly meshes with the driven gear 321 installed on the photoconductor cartridge B. The first idler gear 312 transmits the driving force received by the developing coupling 21 from the apparatus main body A to the driven gear 321.

The drive transmitted to the driven gear 321 rotates the intermediate gear 322 and is transmitted to the first screw gear 323 via the intermediate gear 322. Then, the first screw gear 323 and the first screw 86 rotate.

That is, in this embodiment, the first screw 86, which is an example of the rotating body, is rotated by the drive transmitted to the developing coupling 21.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 62 provided in the photoconductor cartridge B like the first screw 86 is rotated by the drive transmitted to the drum coupling 70 as described above. In other words, the first cartridge of the present embodiment is driven via a member (photosensitive drum 62) that rotates by drive transmission via the first input unit and a second input unit provided on the second cartridge. Both are present with a member (first screw 86) that is rotated by transmission.

As described above, the second screw 87 receives the driving force from the first screw 86 and rotates. The waste toner removed from the photosensitive drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is first conveyed by the first screw 86 along the reference axial direction X, and then conveyed to the waste toner discharge port 72a by the second screw 87, and is the photoconductor. It is discharged to the outside of the cartridge B.

<How to engage the driven gear and the first idler gear>
Next, a method of engaging the driven gear 321 of the photoconductor cartridge B with the first idler gear 312 of the developing cartridge C will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b).

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the engagement between the first idler gear 312 and the driven gear 321. FIG. 35A is a partial view for explaining the engagement between the first idler gear 312 and the driven gear 321. FIG. 35B is for explaining the engagement between the first idler gear 312 and the driven gear 321. It is an enlarged view of.

As described in the first embodiment, the developing cartridge C moves in the direction of the arrow D and is inserted into the apparatus main body A. The developing cartridge C is supported by the apparatus main body A via the photoconductor cartridge B. More specifically, the insertion direction (mounting direction) D of the developing cartridge C is a direction that intersects the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the developing cartridge C is a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312. Further, the mounting direction (insertion direction) of the photoconductor cartridge B is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the driven gear 321. In this embodiment, the mounting direction of the photoconductor cartridge B is a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the driven gear 321. Further, the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312 and the rotation axis of the driven gear 321 are parallel to each other. Further, the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 32. The direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing cartridge C, which will be described later.

As described above, when the developing cartridge C is inserted into the apparatus main body A, the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b of the developing cartridge C engage with the coupling pin 69 installed in the cleaning frame 71. , The developing cartridge C is coupled to the photoconductor cartridge B. The developing cartridge C is rotatably supported by the photoconductor cartridge B in the direction of the arrow CD. Further, when the developing cartridge C rotates around the coupling pin 69 in the direction of the arrow CD, the spacing member 38 (see FIGS. 19 and 34) installed on the developing roller 32 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 62.

As a result, the position of the developing cartridge C with respect to the photoconductor cartridge B is restricted in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the first idler gear 312 installed in the developing cartridge C moves to a position where it engages with the driven gear 321 installed in the photoconductor cartridge B. Is positioned. In this way, the teeth 312a of the first idler gear 312 are engaged with the teeth 321a of the driven gear 321.

Here, when the developing cartridge C is mounted in the direction of the arrow D, the first idler gear 312 of the developing cartridge C engages with the driven gear 321. In this embodiment, at least a part of the driven gear 321 is exposed from the photoconductor cartridge B toward the upstream side in the insertion direction D (mounting direction) of the developing cartridge C. Further, at least a part of the first idler gear 312 is exposed from the developing cartridge C toward the downstream side in the insertion direction D of the developing cartridge C. Further, in the insertion direction D of the developing cartridge C, the rotation center (rotation axis) of the driven gear 321 is located on the downstream side of the rotation center (rotation axis) of the first idler gear 312. As a result, the developing cartridge C is inserted in the direction of the arrow D, so that the first idler gear 312 of the developing cartridge C can be smoothly engaged with the driven gear 321.

As shown in FIG. 35A, the first idler gear 312 receives a driving force from the developing coupling gear 310, rotates in the direction of arrow R1, and transmits the driving force to the driven gear 321. Then, the first idler gear 312 receives a force FD as a reaction from the driven gear 321 in the pressure angle direction.

In the direction of the arrow CD (the direction in which the developing roller 32 approaches the photosensitive drum 62), the direction of the force FD may be the direction toward the downstream side of the line FP connecting the acting portion of the force FD and the center of the coupling pin 69. desirable. However, the acting portion of the force FD represents a portion where the tooth surface 312b of the first idler gear 312 and the tooth surface 321b of the driven gear 321 come into contact with each other. If the direction of the force FD satisfies the above relationship, the force FD generated by pressing the tooth surfaces 312b and 321b when the first idler gear 312 rotates the driven gear 321 is in the direction of the arrow CD with respect to the developing cartridge C. Apply the moment of. Therefore, the spacing member 38 of the developing cartridge C can be more reliably abutted against the photosensitive drum 62. Similar to the first embodiment, the developing cartridge C can be urged in the direction of the arrow CD by the urging member 100 (FIG. 14) arranged on the tray 18. In this case, in a state where the first idler gear 312 is rotating the driven gear 321, both the urging force of the urging member 100 and the force FD due to the meshing of the gears make the spacing member 38 of the developing cartridge C a photosensitive drum. It acts as a force to hit 62.

As shown in FIG. 35 (b), it is desirable that a gap (backlash) is provided between the tooth tip surface 312d of the tooth 312a of the first idler gear 312 and the tooth bottom surface 321c of the driven gear 321. Similarly, it is desirable that a gap (backlash) is provided between the tooth tip surface 321d of the tooth 321a of the driven gear 321 and the tooth bottom surface 312c of the first idler gear 312. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312 (parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the driven gear 321), between the tooth tip circle of the first idler gear 312 and the tooth bottom circle of the driven gear 321. , There is a gap. Further, there is a gap between the tooth bottom circle of the first idler gear 312 and the tooth tip circle of the driven gear 321.

Regarding the direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312, the position of the developing cartridge C is such that the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are engaged with the coupling pin 69, and the spacing member 38 is exposed to light. It is determined by abutting on the drum 62. In other words, the developing cartridge C has a positioned portion (first support hole 23a, second support hole 23b, spacing member 38) in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312. Further, the photoconductor cartridge B has a positioning portion (coupling pin 69, photosensitive drum 62) in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312.

With the developing cartridge C positioned in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312, the tooth tip surface 312d of the teeth 312a of the first idler gear 312 and the teeth of the driven gear 321 as described above. There is a gap between the bottom surfaces 321c. Similarly, there is a gap between the tooth tip surface 321d of the tooth 321a of the driven gear 321 and the tooth bottom surface 312c of the first idler gear 312.

In other words, the process unit PU in this embodiment has a regulating unit (coupling pin 69, photosensitive drum 62) that regulates the movement of the developing cartridge C in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312. The regulating portion abuts on the regulated portion (first support hole 23a, second support hole 23b, interval holding member 38) of the developing cartridge C to restrict the movement of the developing cartridge C. More specifically, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312, the regulating part has a gap between the tooth tip circle of the tooth 312a of the first idler gear 312 and the tooth bottom circle of the driven gear 321. The movement of the developing cartridge C is restricted so that it is formed. Further, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312, the regulating portion is developed so that a gap is formed between the tooth bottom circle of the first idler gear 312 and the tooth tip circle of the driven gear 321. Restrict the movement of the cartridge C.

Further, in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312, the first idler gear 312 and the driven gear 321 are placed between the first regulating portion (coupling pin 69) and the second regulating portion (photosensitive drum 62). To position. The first idler gear 312 and the driven gear 321 are located between the first regulated portion (first support hole 23a, second support hole 23b) and the second regulated portion (interval holding member 38).

As a result, the driven gear 321 and the first idler gear 312 can be stably engaged with each other. At the same time, the positions of the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C with respect to each other can be positioned with high accuracy. Further, the interval holding member 38 can be stably brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 62.

On the other hand, the angle (narrow angle) formed by the line GG connecting the rotation axis of the first idler gear 312 and the rotation axis of the driven gear 321 and the line FP is larger than 0 ° and less than 90 °. Is preferable. When the line GG and the line FP are close to parallel, the gap between the tooth bottom surface 321c of the driven gear 321 can be secured more reliably. Further, when the line GG and the line FP are orthogonal to each other, the driven gear 321 and the first idler gear 312 can be smoothly engaged when the developing cartridge C is inserted. In this embodiment, the angle (narrow angle) formed by the line GG and the line FP is set to be larger than 45 °.

Further, the force required for the first idler gear 312 to rotate is larger than the force required for the driven gear 321 to rotate. If the driven gear 321 and the first idler gear 312 come into contact with each other when the developing cartridge C is inserted, the driven gear 321 rotates. As a result, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 32 from rotating.

<Waste toner transfer>
Here, the transfer of waste toner by the first screw 86 and the second screw 87 will be described with reference to FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the waste toner flow path 330 provided in the photoconductor cartridge B.

The photoconductor cartridge B has a cleaning frame 71 and a screw lid 325. The cleaning frame 71 and the screw lid 325 form a waste toner flow path 330 through which the waste toner removed from the photosensitive drum 62 passes. A first screw 86 and a second screw 87 are arranged in the waste toner flow path 330.

The end of the first screw 86 projects to the outside of the waste toner flow path 330 through a hole provided in the screw lid 325. A D-cut surface 86d is formed at the end of the first screw. The first screw gear 323 can be attached to the D-cut surface 86d. A sponge-like sealing member (not shown) is arranged in the gap between the holes of the first screw 86 and the screw lid 325 to prevent toner from leaking from the waste toner flow path 330 to the outside.

The first screw 86 has a transmission portion 86a. The second screw 87 has a transmitted portion 87a. The transmitting portion 86a and the transmitted portion 87a are engaged with each other inside the waste toner flow path 330. When the first screw 86 rotates, the transmission portion 86a rotates the transmitted portion 87a. As a result, the drive is transmitted from the first screw 86 to the second screw 87. The transmission unit 86a and the transmission unit 87a can be configured by, for example, a pin gear or a bevel gear.

As shown in FIG. 36, the first screw 86 has a shaft portion and a spiral transport portion 86c wound around the shaft portion. The waste toner removed from the photosensitive drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is conveyed by the transport portion 86c in the direction of arrow M along the direction of the rotation axis 86b when the first screw 86 rotates around the rotation axis 86b. Will be done. Further, the transmission unit 86a transmits the drive to the second screw 87 and delivers the waste toner to the second screw 87.

On the other hand, the second screw 87 has a shaft portion and a spiral transport portion 87c wound around the shaft portion. The cleaning frame 71 has a bearing portion 71o, and the screw lid 325 has a bearing portion 325a. The position of the second screw 87 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 87b is regulated by the bearing portion 71o and the bearing portion 325a. The waste toner delivered to the second screw 87 is conveyed by the transport portion 87c in the direction of arrow N along the direction of the rotation axis 87b by rotating the second screw 87 around the rotation axis 87b. Will be done. The waste toner conveyed by the second screw 87 is discharged from the waste toner discharge port 72a installed in the lid member 72 (see FIGS. 26 and 27).

<Transmission of drive from the developing cartridge to the photoconductor cartridge>
According to the above configuration, in the configuration in which the developing cartridge C can be separated from the photoconductor cartridge B, the drive is transmitted from the developing cartridge C to the photoconductor cartridge B, and the driven gear 321 and the first screw 86 are the first. Two screws 87 can be driven.

As a result, the force for driving the drum coupling 70 can be reduced.

Further, in the photoconductor cartridge B, it is not necessary to provide a member for transmitting the drive from the drum coupling 70 to the driven gear 321 and the first screw 86 and the second screw 87.

Here, in general, the number of recording media that can be printed by the photoconductor cartridge B is larger than the number of recording media that can be printed by the developing cartridge C. In this embodiment, the number of recording media that can be printed by the photoconductor cartridge B is several times the number of recording media that can be printed by the developing cartridge C. That is, the photoconductor cartridge B can be used longer than the developing cartridge C. In other words, the frequency of replacement of the developing cartridge C is higher than the frequency of replacement of the photoconductor cartridge B.

When the developing cartridge C runs out of toner, the developing cartridge C must be replaced with a new developing cartridge C. On the other hand, the photoconductor cartridge B can continue to be used until the life of its own parts (for example, the photosensitive drum 62 and the charging roller 66) is exhausted. In order to increase the toner T of the developing cartridge C, it is necessary to increase the size of the developing cartridge. On the other hand, the life of the photosensitive drum 62 and the charging roller 66 can be extended by changing the material or the like without increasing the size of the photosensitive cartridge B. Further, as described above, the photoconductor cartridge B can be used for a longer period of time by providing the developing cartridge C with the waste toner chamber 30 and collecting the waste toner when the developing cartridge C is replaced.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 62 is configured to come into contact with the recording medium. Therefore, the first screw 86 and the second screw 87 rotate while being in contact with waste toner and paper dust. Generally, in the presence of waste toner and paper dust, wear of sliding portions and seal portions between members tends to increase. Therefore, especially when the photoconductor cartridge B having a long service life is adopted, it is desirable to reduce the rotation of the first screw 86 and the second screw 87, which are examples of the waste toner conveying means.

Before the developing roller 32 rotates, the photosensitive drum 62 may rotate in order to charge the photosensitive drum 62. According to the configuration of this embodiment, even when the photosensitive drum 62 rotates before the developing roller 32, it is possible to prevent the waste toner conveying means from rotating.

Further, as described above, shutters are provided at the waste toner discharge port 72a of the photoconductor cartridge B and the waste toner reception port 23d of the developing cartridge C, respectively. When the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are separated, the respective shutters are closed to prevent waste toner from leaking to the outside.

If only the photoconductor cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A and the rotation of the first screw 86 and the second screw 87 is allowed, the waste toner discharge port 72a is closed by the shutter and is discarded. Waste toner is conveyed toward the toner discharge port 72a. However, in the configuration of this embodiment, the first screw 86 and the second screw 87 are rotated by the driving force from the developing cartridge C. Therefore, the first screw 86 and the second screw 87 are not driven unless the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C are coupled. Therefore, the waste toner can be conveyed toward the waste toner discharge port 72a in a state where the waste toner discharge port 72a is surely opened.

(Modification example)
In the third embodiment described above, gears that directly mesh with each other are illustrated as the drive transmission unit and the driven unit, but other drive transmission mechanisms may be used. For example, a dog clutch may be used in which the drive transmission unit and the driven unit are engaged with each other.

Further, in the third embodiment, of the first cartridge (photoreceptor cartridge B), waste toner is used as an example of a member driven by a drive transmitted to the first cartridge via the second cartridge (development cartridge C). The first screw 86 to be conveyed is illustrated. Not limited to this, another member of the photoconductor cartridge B (for example, the charging roller 66 in FIG. 2) may be rotated by a drive transmitted via the developing cartridge C.

<Other embodiments>
The embodiments described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and the embodiments can be modified without departing from the technical idea of the present technology. For example, the image forming unit may include a cartridge other than the photoconductor cartridge B and the developing cartridge C (for example, a toner cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the developing cartridge C).

Further, the coupling pin 69 and the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are merely examples of an engaging portion and an engaged portion, respectively. Instead of the configuration described in the above-described embodiment, for example, a shaft-shaped member may be arranged in the developing cartridge C, and a groove shape engaged with the shaft-shaped member may be provided in the photoconductor cartridge B. Further, in Examples 1 and 2, coupling pins 69 and 69 are arranged at both ends of the photoconductor cartridge B in the reference axial direction X, and the first support hole 23a and the second support hole 23b are the developing cartridge C in the reference axial direction X. Although it is arranged at both ends of, the arrangement is not limited to this. Only one set of the engaging portion and the engaged portion may be arranged, or three or more sets may be arranged. However, it is preferable that one or a plurality of positions where the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged are arranged symmetrically with respect to the reference axial direction X.

A ... Device body / B ... 1st cartridge (photoreceptor cartridge) / C ... 2nd cartridge (development cartridge) / 21 ... Input unit, 2nd input unit (development coupling) / 23a, 23b ... Engaged part (1st support hole, 2nd support hole) / 23d ... 2nd opening (waste toner receiving port) / 30 ... storage part (waste toner chamber) / 32 ... developer carrier (development roller) / 62 ... image support Body (photosensitive drum) / 69 ... Engagement part (coupling pin) / 70 ... First input part (drum coupling) / 72a ... First opening (waste toner discharge port) / 77 ... Cleaning member / 312 ... Drive Transmission unit (first idler gear) / 321 ... Driven unit (driven gear) / IF ... Image forming device / PU ... Image forming unit

Claims (15)

An image forming unit mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus.
A first cartridge having a driven part that can rotate around the first rotation axis,
A second cartridge separably configured from the first cartridge, which is rotatable around an input unit configured to receive a driving force from the apparatus main body and a second rotation axis, and the driving force. A second cartridge having a drive transmission unit configured to transmit the power to the driven unit, and
An image forming unit characterized by having. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the driven portion is exposed toward the upstream side in the insertion direction of the second cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body. The image forming unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the drive transmission unit is exposed toward the downstream side in the insertion direction of the second cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first rotation axis is located on the downstream side of the second rotation axis with respect to the insertion direction of the second cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body. Forming unit. The image forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insertion direction of the second cartridge is a direction intersecting the second rotation axis. The image forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driven unit is a gear, and the drive transmission unit is a gear that directly meshes with the driven unit. It has a regulating unit that regulates the movement of the second cartridge with respect to the first cartridge in a direction orthogonal to the second rotation axis.
When viewed in the direction of the second rotation axis, a gap is formed between the tooth tip circle of the driven portion and the tooth bottom circle of the drive transmission portion, and the tooth tip circle of the drive transmission portion and the driven drive are formed. The image forming unit according to claim 6, wherein the regulating portion restricts the movement of the second cartridge so that a gap is formed between the tooth bottom circles of the portions. The image forming according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the device main body in a state where the first cartridge is attached to the device main body. unit. The image forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second cartridge is configured to be coupled to the first cartridge by an insertion operation into the apparatus main body. The first cartridge has an image carrier configured to be rotatable and has an image carrier.
The second cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second cartridge has a developer carrier that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer. Image forming unit. The first cartridge is
A cleaning member that removes waste toner from the image carrier,
It has a transport member that transports the waste toner, and has
The image forming unit according to claim 10, wherein the drive is transmitted to the transport member via the drive transmission unit and the driven unit. The first cartridge has a first opening for discharging the waste toner to the outside of the first cartridge.
The second cartridge has a second opening for receiving the waste toner discharged from the first opening and a storage portion for accommodating the waste toner.
The image forming unit according to claim 11. The first cartridge has a first input unit configured to receive drive from the device body.
The input unit provided on the second cartridge is the second input unit.
The image carrier rotates by transmitting the drive through the first input unit, and the developer carrier rotates by transmitting the drive via the second input unit. The image forming unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the image forming unit is configured as described above. The second cartridge has a developer accommodating portion and a stirring member for agitating the toner contained in the developer accommodating portion.
The image forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the stirring member is driven by a driving force transmitted via the input unit. With the device body
The image forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14 mounted on the apparatus main body.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that an image is formed on a recording medium using the image forming unit.

Images